Annual NOUS Awards

In furtherance of its mission, the Naval Order presents annual awards.

The Admiral George Dewey Award to one eminently outstanding senior civilian

The Distinguished Sea Service Award to one eminently outstanding Sea Services officer of pay grade 0-7 or above shortly after retirement

The RADM Samuel Eliot Morison Award for Naval Literature to the author of a published book of particular merit

The three US Naval Academy midshipmen scoring the highest in competitive examinations on national and international political science issues

The outstanding graduate of the Chief of Naval Air Training Command Flight Officer program

The outstanding midshipmen and cadets at the New York State Merchant Marine Academy, California State Maritime Academy and Naval ROTC programs at various Universities

To the Outstanding Junior Officer Instructor at the US Coast Guard Academy

The Nimitz Leadership Award to a notable leader of the U. S. sea services in a particular field of endeavor, for a particular achievement, or for past accomplishments

US Naval Academy Division of Humanities and Social Sciences awards the three midshipmen from the Academy who have written the best essay on current national or international affairs

Who is Eligible for Our Awards?

George Dewey Award

Any United States civilian eligible for Regular membership in the Naval Order, whose record for service sets him/her apart among his/her peers, is deemed eligible for the “Admiral of the Navy George Dewey Award.” The period of eligibility is not an issue for this award. It is assumed that the awardee will make every effort to accept this award in person. Each local Commandery may submit the name of only one candidate for consideration each year. Each submission shall be accompanied by a brief biographical sketch which will be circulated for voting purposes.

Distinguished Sea Service Award

At its Centennial Congress in 1990 the Naval Order established a Distinguished Sea Service Award (DSSA) to each year honor a recently retired US Naval Officer who, over a total career, so distinguished himself and the Naval Services, that he should be singled out as one who stands "First Among Firsts."

Rear Admiral Thurston J. James Memorial Award

The Naval Flight Officer student achieving the highest overall flight and academic grades during the preceding calendar year as determined by the Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA).

Samuel Eliot Morison Award for Naval Literature

The Samuel Eliot Morison Award for Naval Literature is administered and presented by the New York Commandery of the Naval Order of the United States. The finalists and winner are selected by a distinguished committee of members of the New York Commandery. Books may be recommended for consideration by members of the Naval Order of the United States but must be nominated for Committee consideration by a Companion of the New York Commandery. There are detailed and stringent standards that must be met by the author and the work and the Committee follows set guidelines in considering the nominees. The prize is named for the late Rear Admiral Samuel Eliot Morison, a Harvard University history professor widely considered to be America’s most distinguished naval historian. For more information, email the New York Commandery at NYC.NOUS@gmail.com

US Coast Guard Academy Junior Instructor Award

Annually since 1989, the Naval Order of the United States, in cooperation with the Superintendent of the Academy, sponsors the Coast Guard Academy Junior Officer Award to recognize the exceptional personal, professional and academic leadership, and commitment to learning exhibited by a junior officer of the rotating faculty. The presentation is made at the Academy’s Convocation Ceremony when the entire Corps of Cadets assemble with Academy faculty and staff, guests, and friends to begin the new academic year. This award is most distinctive because the recipient is chosen by the Corps of Cadets.

The Nimitz Leadership Award (Texas Commandery)

Since 1986, the Texas Commandery has recognized the leadership of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz by presenting an award in his memory. Admiral Nimitz’s outstanding leadership qualities are examples of those qualities for which the Texas Commandery was chartered. The Nimitz Leadership Award is presented annually to a notable leader of the U. S. sea services in a particular field of endeavor, for a particular achievement, or for past accomplishments that cover more than one year of service. Any member of the Texas Commandery can nominate a candidate for the award. The final selection is made by the Nimitz Leadership Award Committee.